On December 5 of 1947, Jersey Joe Walcott was given his first world title try, breaking a record for the oldest man to receive a world title try at the world Heavyweight title. Despite dropping Joe Louis in round one and once again in round four, he lost a 15 round split decision. Most ringside observers and boxing writers felt Walcott deserved the win, and so a rematch was fought, on June 25, 1948. The second time around, Louis prevailed once again, but by knockout in round 11.